MeditationIn life, there will always be challenges to be faced, and obstacles to overcome. The key to leading a victorious and productive life does not lie in never having difficulties…but in how we respond to those trials when they do arise. They must be faced head on, maintaining an abiding sense of understanding that from facing those challenges eventually (sometimes very slowly) come growth, change and ultimately perfect peace in the midst of it all.

Thought for the dayWhat is the one thing that causes you grief, anxiety, pain and fear that you still have not dealt with? Ignoring it and stuffing it will not resolve it. It makes it worse. It isn’t going away…so just speak to your sponsor about it, pray for the wisdom and courage to handle it and…deal with it!

ScripturesThese things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.~Jesus, John 16:33~

Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given us.~Romans 5:2-5 (Amp)~

…To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God…He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death…And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations…To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne…He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. ~Revelation 2:7,2:11,2:26,3:21,21:7~